Smashburger, Golden Corral to open soon in Batavia

Jeff Schielke said he's never had more questions or comments about a topic since he's been mayor of Batavia - and that covers nearly 30 years.

Those questions have been pouring in about the building shell at Randall Road and Main Street in Batavia for a future Golden Corral restaurant. Because the building has been sitting unfinished for more than a year, those questions are basically the same - when will the popular family buffet restaurant finally open its doors?

"The lights were on in there the other night when I drove by, and that is a ray of hope as far as I am concerned," Schielke said of the site, which is located along the retail strip that includes an Aldi grocery store, three auto maintenance and tire shops, and a gas station.

Those seeking answers about Golden Corral may be pleased to hear there is a light at end of the tunnel for the franchisee who has struggled to get funding in place.

"Whenever the owner is able to get those doors open, it will be a golden opportunity because there appears to be a significant customer base that is tantalizing itself at the prospect of those doors opening," Schielke said. "And I base that on the huge number of people asking me about it."

Franchisee Sam Gibson of Plainfield, whose original financing plans dashed when the FDIC closed a bank he had been working with for several months, confirmed last week that area residents will notice progress at the site in the coming weeks.

"I am very excited about it because we are just about to get it done," said Gibson. "I have been working with Chase Bank now, and they have been very helpful."

Gibson, who owns the Golden Corral in Schererville, Ind., said he is putting together a construction team that has about 30 days of work to do on the inside of the restaurant.

"After that, we have to go to the city departments for permits, and that's another two to three weeks," Gibson added.

Gibson, who has told city officials the restaurant could be ready within 90 days, says his Indiana location has done well in the recession with its family theme and affordable prices.

"Each time I go by (the Batavia site), I want to cry, because I know how many people have been asking about it and are anxious for it," Gibson said.

Golden Corral offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, and the Batavia location fits with one of the company's key marketing goals of being near a large number of churches or major stores, Gibson said.

Schielke estimated there were eight churches within a short distance of the Batavia site.

Batavia this fall also will welcome Smashburger, a fast-growing hamburger chain out of Denver, Colo., in the retail center along Fabyan Parkway. It will be at the 850 N. Randall Road location formerly occupied by 3 Day Blinds.

Smashburger plans to open by October. Smashburger officials are already working with Batavia planning departments for permits, including a liquor license.

Other sites the chain has earmarked are Bolingbrook and Darien this winter, Arlington Heights next spring and Schaumburg in the winter of 2011, according to the company website.

"Not too many people around this area know about Smashburger, but a member of our staff was in Colorado recently and went to one," Schielke said. "When she heard we were getting one here, she was excited because she said it was really good."